Located near Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, the Circuito de Jerez is one of Spain’s most famous motorsport venues. Known for its flowing layout and warm climate, it has hosted Formula One races, countless winter tests and many major motorcycle events.
Today, the circuit is best known as the home of the MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix, but it also played a notable role in Formula One history during the late 1980s and 1990s.
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Circuito de Jerez
| First Grand Prix | 1986 Spanish Grand Prix |
| Number of Laps | 69 |
| Circuit Length | 4.428 km |
| Race Distance | 305.532 km (189.612 miles) |
| Lap Record | 1:23.135 Heinz-Harald Frentzen (1997) |
Circuit
When was the Circuito de Jerez built?
The circuit was constructed in 1984 and officially opened on 8 December 1985.
It lies roughly 90 km south of Seville, in the heart of Spain’s famous sherry-producing region. The project was led by Spanish engineer Manuel Medina Lara, inspired by an earlier concept proposed by Italian engineer Alessandro Rocci.
The venue was designed as a modern permanent circuit, with wide run-off areas and a flowing layout suited to both cars and motorcycles. Its mild winter climate quickly made it a popular Formula One testing venue, a role it held for decades.
When was the first Spanish Grand Prix at Circuito de Jerez?
Formula One first visited Jerez in 1986, when the circuit hosted the Spanish Grand Prix. The Spanish Grand Prix was then held there five times: 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1990.
Despite good racing, the circuit’s relatively remote location made it difficult to attract large crowds. As a result, Formula One moved the Spanish Grand Prix to Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya beginning in 1991.
However, Jerez later hosted two additional Formula One races under the European Grand Prix title, the 1994 European Grand Prix and the 1997 European Grand Prix.
The dramatic 1997 European Grand Prix
The 1997 European Grand Prix at Jerez is one of the most famous championship deciders in Formula One history.
Going into the race, Michael Schumacher led Jacques Villeneuve by one point in the World Championship. During the race, the two drivers collided when Schumacher attempted to block Villeneuve’s overtaking move.
Schumacher retired from the race, while Villeneuve continued and finished third, enough to win the 1997 Drivers’ Championship.
Why did Formula One stop racing at Jerez?
The circuit has not hosted a Formula One Grand Prix since 1997.
After the race, an unusual incident occurred during the podium ceremony, when the mayor of Jerez unexpectedly interrupted the official presentation to hand out a trophy meant for a Mercedes representative. The breach of protocol angered Formula One authorities.
Combined with the presence of Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya on the calendar, the incident effectively ended Jerez’s chances of hosting another Grand Prix.
Despite this, the circuit continued to host Formula One winter testing until 2015.
What is the circuit used for today?
Although Formula One no longer races there, Jerez remains one of the most important motorcycle circuits in the world.
Major events include the MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix (since 1987, with few exceptions), the World Superbike Championship and National and European racing series.
In 2018, the circuit was renamed Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto in honour of the legendary Spanish motorcycle champion Ángel Nieto, who won 13 motorcycle world championships.
Circuito de Jerez lap record
The official Formula One race lap record for the modern Grand Prix layout is:
1:23.135 – Heinz-Harald Frentzen (Williams FW19), 1997 European Grand Prix
The unofficial all-time record set during Formula One testing is even faster:
1:15.651 – Pedro de la Rosa (McLaren MP4-20), 2005 testing.